Spandex-clad dancer, frat fighting Alzheimer's

Group needs help raising money

A group of students from the University of Vermont is beating the pants off the likes of much bigger schools like the University of Michigan and the University of Nebraska in a nationwide fundraiser for Alzheimer's research.

"It was really tough because my grandfather lived next to me for 20 years," said Fox, who lost his grandpa this January to Alzheimer's disease. "Seeing someone that is a father figure to you is really tough to see their brain and their physical body deteriorate."

But rather than dwell on the recent death of his grandfather, Fox and a group of his fraternity brothers are raising money to fight the disease. It's part of a national contest put on by comedian and actor Seth Rogen. UVM is competing against the likes of the universities of Michigan and Nebraska.

The local Pi Kappa Alpha chapter's campaign includes calls, emails and a repeat performance of "It's Raining Men," by Fox's frat brother Andrew Schwingel. He received a $2,000 pledge to recreate the colorful act, complete with a full spandex suit, at the Pi Kappa Alpha's Alzheimer fundraiser event, a talent show on April 21.

"I have to get back in the Jazzercise mode and bring it back to the high school days and give it my all," said Shwingel.

He said he could extend his rendition if more money comes in and if Pi Kappa Alpha wins Rogen's competition, the comedian will make an appearance in Burlington.

The winning group is the one that collects the most money. The contest closes April 11.

Meanwhile, Martha Richardson, from the the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter, said about 60 percent of the money raised through this competition will stay in Vermont.

"It's to help those families who are dealing with this incredibly stressful disease," said Richardson.